WAKE IN A WORKHOUSE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3366, 4 November 1911, Page 3

WAKE IN A WORKHOUSE.

IRISH INMATES MADE DRUNK BY MOURNERS.

The practice of holding “wakes” in Ireland still continues in most parts of the country, notwithstanding the efforts of the clergy to suppress them. They usually extend over two nights, and are held in the homes of the peasantry where the deceased person lies. A wake in a- workhouse is, however, a novel departure, and is reported from Bantry, Co. Cork. At a meeting of the local hoard of guardians, the matron (a Sister of Charity) stated that recently the friends of a female inmate who died in the workhouse came in and refused to allow the body to be removed to the dead-house. In consequence a serious disturbance resulted. The friends came in considerable numbers into the body of the Douse, and some of . them 'brought intoxicating drinks, which they gave to the inmates. The master reported that the recent order of the board to put the bodies in the workhouse chapel pending interment by the friends was highly objectionable. There was not sufficient room in the chapel, and the practice was suggestive of the holding of “wakes” in the House, which was against the rules. The funeral had 1 to start from the centre of the House, and it led to disciplinary and other abuses, and gave a chanoe for.an unlimited, and perhaps on objectionable number to come into the building.

The chairman said the holding of a wake an dt-he bringing of drink into the House and making the inmates drunk was a very serious matter. The reports would go before the Local Government Board. A committee was appointed to look into the matter.